Ladies 1s Battle until the end

This weekend saw the ladies 1s take on yet another double header, with a crucial promotion game in the league on saturday to go straight to a national Semi-final on sunday against league topping University of Nottingham.

Saturday at Oxford was a must win game to gain promotion back into South Div 1 – for Oxford a loss meant relegation. A crucial game for both teams. A battle in the middle mainly Teddington pulled through to win 1-0 and deservedly book their place back in the top regional league.

Sunday was another matter – having been knocked out in the QF last year on flicks the girls had something to prove.

Scoring early on Alison Oliver put away a 1-1 goal with the keeper to put the girls into the lead at half time.

The second half was another story – defending for their lives and facing relentless short corners. It finally came and Uni got 2 goals in quick succession. Many thought the game was over but on the break Charlotte Elms put away a cross to take us to 2-2 with 7 minutes remaining.

Teddington never making it easy for ourselves held off to make it go to penalties once again.

Nottingham having won their last 4 cup games on penalties were determined. But teddington are never a club to go without a fight. And thats what we gave them taking to the last stroke on goal to determine a winner. However their pre-meditated and practice stroke taking meant the Uni girls took the win and progress to Lee Valley.

The Ladies 1s should most certainly hold their heads high fighting until the very end and seeing some of the best womens hockey we have seen at Broom Lane in years.

The entire club is extremely proud for a fantastic achievement being National Semi Finalists. Congratulations girls – it may be bitter sweet right now but you certainly did us proud.

A massive thankyou to everyone who turned out and offered words of support – it made a real difference.